BX7I46 

N4A3 

1822 


I        'l\\°D  'uo;>pc4S       l 


EXTRACTS 


FROM 


J  24 


!Lmcai  im 


OF   THE 


GENERAL  ASSOCIATION 


OF 


XEW-tt&MYSlimEi, 


ASSEMBLED 


AT  PEMBROKE, 


SEPTEMBER  3,  1822. 


•  :#::#  n 


DOVER: 
PRINTED  BY  J.  MANN,  FOR  THE  ASSOCIATION. 

1822. 


man  WE&  &c- 


At  a  meeting  of  the  GENERAL  ASSOCIATION 
OF  NEJV-  HAMPSHIRE,  held  at  Pembroke,  Tuesday, 
September  3,  V&ll, 

PRESENT, 

From 
y  Coos  Association. 

>  Deerfield  Association. 


Rev.  Messrs. 
Prury  Fairbanks, 
Jonathan  Curtis.     - 
Luke  A.  Spofford, 
Ebenezer  Hill,    - 
John  Keliey,     -     - 
Samuel  Harris,  - 
Moses  Sawyer, 
Abraham  Bodwell, 
Isaac  Robinson,     - 
William  Murry, 
Joseph  Rowell,     - 
Baxter  Perry,    - 
Joseph  VV.  Clary, 
Stephen  Baily,     - 
Ebenezer  Cheever, 
John  M.  Whiton, 


y  Hollis  A •isociation . 

;  N.  H.  Branch  of 

5      Haverhill  Association. 

£  Hopkinton  Association. 
Monadnoc  Association, 
Orange  Association. 

v  Piscataqua  Association. 

>  Union  Association. 

}  General  Assembly  of  the 


Thomas  A.  Merrill, 
Luther  Rockwell,     ■ 
Hubbard  Loomis, 
Rufus  Pomroy, 
John  Codman,  -     - 


Presbyterian  Church. 
y  Gen.  convention  of  Vermont. 
General  Association  of 

Connecticut. 
General  Association  of 
Massachusetts. 
John  H.  Church,  Secretary. 

Abraham  Burn  ham,  Treasurer  and  Minister  of  the  place. 
Rev.  Ebenezer  Hill  was  chosen  Moderator,  Rev.  Joseph 
7.  Clary,  Scribe,  and   Rev.   Jonathan  Curtis,  Assistant 
'cribe. 

Prayer  by  the  Moderator. 
Messrs.  Church,  Keliey  and  Robinson  were  appointed 
ommittee  of  Overtures.     Their  report  was  accepted. 


[     4      J 

Wednesday,  9  o'clock,  was  assigned  for  the  narra- 
tives of  the  state  of  religion  in  the  churches  ;  and  Messrs. 
Robinson,  Church,  Rockwell,  Pomeroy  and  Merrill 
were  appointed  a  Committee  to  take  minutes,  and  pre- 
pare from  them  the  usual  report.     [Appendix  No.  I.] 

Messrs.  Church,  Kelley  and  Bodwell  were   appointed 
a  Committee  to  report  on  the  expediency  of  a  concert  of 
prayer  for  the  children  of  the  kingdom  and  on  the  recip- 
rocal  duties  of  the  church,  and  the  children  of  the  cove- 
nant. Adjourned  till  2  o'clock  p   m. 

Afternoon.  Delegates  from  foreign  bodies  made  their 
report. 

The  Committee  appointed  last  year  to  prepare  and  re- 
port a  Pastoral  Letter,  presented  one,  which  was  accept- 
ed.     [Appendix  No.  2.] 

Rev.  John  Kelley  preached  before  the  Association  from 
Acts  27,31. 

The  report  of  the  Treasurer  was  presented  and  ac- 
cepted. 

Messrs.  Church,  Harris  and  Rowel  were  appointed  a 
Committee  to  revise  the  regulations  of  this  Association. 

Wednesday  morning,  Sept.  4. 

The  Committee  of  last  year  to  inquire  into  the  Plat- 
form of  the  Congregational  Churches,  reported  in  part. 
Their  report  was  recommitted  for  next  year. 

Voted,  That  it  be  earnestly  recommended  to  each  As- 
sociation connected  in  this  General  Association,  to  pre- 
pare, at  their  meeting  next  preceding  the  first  of  Septem- 
ber annually,  a  narrative  of  revivals  of  religion,  and  other 
occurrences  which  may  be  worthy  of  being  communicated 
to  this  body  and  preserved  among  their  papers  and  rec- 
ords, which  narratives  shall  be  read  by  the  delegates  to 
this  General  Association. 

The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  appointment 
of  a  place  for  the  meeting  of  the  next  year,  and  the  As- 
sociation to  furnish  the  preacher,  reported  Acworth  as  the 
place,  and  Coos  as  the  Association. 

Messrs.  Robinson,  White  and  Whiton  were  appointed 
to  prepare  a  Pastoral  Letter,  to  be  reported  next  year. 

Thursday,  Sept.  5. 
The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  subject  of  a 


C    3     J 

concert  of  prayer  for  the  children  of  the  kingdom,  made 
a  report,  in  part,  which  was  accepted,  viz. 

No  subject  can  he  more  highly  interesting  to  the  friends 
of  Zion  than  the  spiritual  condition  of  the  children  of  the 
covenant.  These  are  especially  the  hope  of  the  Church, 
Their  conversion  is  the  subject  of  many  promises  of  the 
God  of  Abraham.  He  has  engaged  to  pour  on  them  His 
Spirit ;  but  he  will  be  inquired  of  by  his  people  to  do  it 
for  them.  With  what,  animating  assurance  then  may  the 
Church  unite  in  prayer  for  his  blessing  on  their  seed  ! 
It  is  therefore  recommended  to  the  members  of  all  our 
Churches,  that,  in  addition  to  their  coming  together  at  set 
times  to  pray  with  and  for  their  children,  and  to  exbort 
them  to  know  and  serve  the  Lord,  that  they  would  in  their 
respective  dwellings,  observe  a  concert  of  prayer  for  the 
conversion  of  "  the  children  of  the  kingdom,"  on  the 
evening  of  the  first  Monday  in  every  month.  Let  this 
prayer,  whether  in  the  family  or  in  the  closet,  be  offered 
in  faith,  and  with  humble  expectation  of  a  gracious  an- 
swer. Let  us  "  agree  as  touching  this  thing,"  and  we 
have  the  promise  of  being  heard  and  answered  in  cove- 
nant mercy. 

J.  H.  Church,  for  the  Committee. 

Voted,  That  Rev.  John  H.  Church  and  Dr.  McFarland 
be  a  committee  to  publish  in  the  N.  H.  Repository  a  plan 
of  a  conference  of  churches  adopted  by  the  General  Con- 
vention of  this  State,  together  with  such  information  and 
remarks  as  they  shall  think  calculated  to  call  the  attention 
of  the  associations  and  churches  to  the  subject. 

The  committee  appointed  to  nominate  Delegates  to 
foreign  bodies  made  the  following  report,  which  was  ac- 
cepted : — 

Rev.  David  Southerlancl,  "j  General  Assembly  of  the  Presby- 

„    Phinehas   Cook,   his  al-  I      teuian  Church  ;  Philadelphia, 

ternate.  J       3d  Thursday  of  May,  1823. 

„    Broughton  White,  "^   n          ,   .        .  ..         ,   _. 

„    Roger  C.  Hatch,  [General  Association  of  Cormec- 

„  Isaac  Rohinson,     ?  Alter-  >    flcut  *  f   "  '"  /s"r'  Sd  ^s" 

„  Chester  Cotton,     $  nates,  j       dayofJune,\S23. 

„  Jonathan  French,  ^  Gen.  Association  of  Massachu- 

.,  Israel  W.  Putnam,  I       setts ;  at   Rev.  Mr.  Holmes% 

„  John  H.  Church.    }  Alter-  f     J\"ew-Bedford,4tk  Tuesdayof 

„  Nath'f  Merrill,      $  nates,  j      June.  1822. 


[     6     ] 

„  Zedekiah  S. .  Barstow,         "j  Genernl    Covvmtion  of    Vet- 

„  Joseph  W.,  Clary,                I      mmt      2rf  Tuesd  'uf  s 

„  Moses  Sawyer,      ?  Alter-  f    fm6erl823.  J       * 

„  Enos  George,  3  nates.  J 

Rev.  Abraham  Burnham  was  appointed  Treasurer  for 
the  ensuing  year,  and  Dr.  McFarland  Auditor  of  his  ac- 
accounts. 

Voted,  That  the  Scribe  be  a  committee  to  publish  the 
minutes  of  this  association. 

Voted,  That  the  publishing  committee  be  directed  to 
procure  such  a  number  of  blank  returns  as  may  be  thought 
necessary,  and  send  them  to  the  several  churches  with 
the  minutes. 

Ebenezer  Hill,  Moderator. 

Joseph  W.  Clary,  Scribe, 

Jonathan  Curtis,  Assistant  Scribe. 


No.  I. 

NARRATIVE  OF  THE  STATE  OF  RELIGION. 

To  those  who  have  imbibed  the  Spirit  of  the  Gospel, 
no  intelligence  can  be  more  interesting  than  that  which 
respects  the  prosperity  of  Zion.  News  of  the  con  version  of 
sinners,  and  the  advancement  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom 
cannot  fail  to  impart  to  their  hearts  a  sacred  joy.  It  would 
indeed  be  pleasing  to  the  General  Association  to  be  able 
to  communicate  intelligence,  which  should  awaken  in  the 
breasts  of  christians  no  other  emotions  than  those  of  grati- 
tude and  praise.  But  facts  must  be  stated  without  dis- 
guise ;  and  many  of  these  are  calculated  to  excite  grief, 
rather  than  joy. 

When  we  take  a  survey  of  this  state,  we  behold  many 
things,  in  view  of  which  it'becomes  us  to  mourn  and  to  be 
humbled  before  God.  Intemperance,  prof.nity  and  sab- 
bath-breaking, it  is  to  be  feared,  abound  more  or  less  in 
all  our  towns.     Family  prayer  and  the  religious  education 


[     7     ] 

of  children  are  neglected  to  a  degree,  which  must  both 
grieve  and  alarm  all,  who  feel  interested  in  the  welfare  of 
the  rising  generation,  and  the  future  prosperity  of  the 
church  of  God. 

By  many  who  enjoy  a  preached  Gospel,  its  worth  is,  by 
no  means,  duly  appreciated  ;  and  a  still  larger  number, 
who  are  destitute  of  it,  make  no  suitable  exertions  to  en- 
joy it.  Who  that  possesses  a  spark  of  christian  benevo- 
lence can  cast  his  eyes  over  the  many  destitute  societies 
and  churches  in  this  state,  and  not  feel  grieved  for  the 
desolation  of  Zion  ?  Nor  can  such  fail  to  mourn  over  the 
lukewarmness  of  many  professors,  their  conformity  to  the 
world,  their  violation  of  their  sacred  covenant  engage- 
ments ;  and  the  dishonour  thus  brought  on  that  glorious 
cause  to  advance  which,  the  Prince  of  Life  bled  and  died. 
We  rejoice,  however,  that  we  can  advert  to  topics  more 
delighful,  and  communicate  intelligence  more  refreshing 
to  the  pious  mind. 

It  is  with  pleasure  that  we  hear  that  our  churches,  with 
few  or  no  exceptions,  observe  the  monthly  concert  of  prayer; 
and  thus,  with  christians  of  our  own  and  of  distant  lands, 
unite  in  presenting  their  supplications  to  Him  "  who  hear- 
eth  prayer,"  in  behalf  of  the  prosperity  of  Zion. 

Sabbath  Schools,  those  nurseries  of  piety,  in  which  the 
tender  minds  of  children  are  stored  with  Gospel  truths, 
"  which  are  able  to  make  them  wise  to  Salvation,"  are 
generally  in  successful  operation,  and  afford  a  promise  of 
much  future  good. 

Our  College,  which  in  years  past  has  had  to  sustain  pe- 
culiar trials,  is  now,  we  are  happy  to  learn,  in  a  prosper- 
ous state,  and  a  large  proportion  of  the  students  are  hope- 
fully pious.  Of  the  class  that  has  recently  graduated, 
about  three  fourths  are  professedly  the  friends  of  the  Sa- 
viour ;  and  Mill,  we  trust,  exert  their  talents  and  influence 
to  promote  his  glory  and  the  interests  of  his  kingdom. 

Union  Academy,  which  was  for  a  time  suspended,  has 
recommenced  its  operations,  under  circumstances  which 
inspire  the  hope  that  the  benevolent  views  of  its  founder 
will  be  realized. 

But  the  state  of  religion  within  our  bounds  claims  a 
more  particular  attention. 

Though  he  who  i  causes  it  to  rain  upon  one  city  and 
causeth  it  not  to  rain  upon  another,'  has  seen  fit  to  pass  bv 


L   s   3 

many  of  our  religious  societies,  and  to  suffer  them  to  slum- 
ber in  their  sins  ;  yet  upon  others  "  he  has  shed  forth'7 
the  life-giving  influences  of  His  holy  spirit;  particularly 
upon  New- Ipswich,  Temple,  Rindge,  Marlborough,  Keene, 
Stoddard,  Washington,  Windham,  Pelham,  Plymouth, 
Colebrook  Missionary  station,  Columbia  and  Lebanon. 

In  most  of  these  towns,  it  is  true,  the  work  has  been 
small ;  but  in  some  of  them,  powerful  and  extensive.  This 
is  especially  the  case,  with  New-Ipswich,  Temple,  and 
Rindge,  in  which  it  is  computed,  that  between  two  and 
three  hundred  have  been  hopefully  translated  out  of  the 
kingdom  of  darkness,  into  the  kingdom  of  God's  dear  Son. 
In  Lime  also,  the  religious  attention  which  was  mentioned 
in  our  last  report,  has  continued  with  increasing  power, 
and  nearly  two  hundred  since  its  commencement  have  in 
the  judgment  of  charity  been  turned  unto  the  Lord. 

But  we  would  record.,  with  gratitude  to  God,  not  only 
those  displays  of  his  grace,  which  have  been  made  in  this 
state  ;  but  likewise  those  which  have  been  experienced 
within  the  bounds  of  those  ecclesiastical  bodies  with  which 
we  are  connected  in  the  bonds  of  christian  fellowship. 

As  no  delegates  from  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
Presbyterian  church,  have  been  present;  we  can  only  state, 
that  it  appears  from  their  printed  minutes  which  have 
been  received,  that  during  the  year  past  they  have  been 
favoured  with  numerous  and  extensive  revivals ; — that 
charitable  Societies  and  exertions  are  multiplying ;  and 
that  God  has  abundantly  blessed,  with  the  influences  of 
His  Spirit,  several  of  the  Colleges  within  their  bounds. 

From  the  General  Association  of  Massachusetts  we  re- 
ceive intelligence  calculated  to  gladden  the  hearts  of  Zion's 
friends.  In  many  of  the  towns  in  Berkshire  county,  the 
Spirit  in  his  convincing  and  sanctifying  influences  has 
u  come  down  like  rain  on  the  new  mown  grass,  and  as 
showers  that  water  the  earth."  Converts  to  righteous- 
ness are  multiplied.  A  Union  prayer  meeting,  embracing 
the  friends  of  evangelical  piety,  of  different  denominations 
is  established  in  the  metropolis.  A  missionary  spirit,  and 
missionary  efforts  are  increasing.  The  Theological  Semi- 
nary at  Andover  continues  to  prosper ;  and  contains  132 
students,  who  are  preparing  to  preach  to  their  perishing 
fellosv-men,  the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ. 

By  the  delegation  from  Connecticut  we  have  been  in- 


[  9  ] 

formed,  that  though  they  have  not  been  permitted  to  wit- 
ness such  signal  displays  of  Divine  grace,  as  in  years  past; 
vet  they  have  pleasing  evidence  that  the  Lord  has  not 
forsaken  that  highly  favoured  part  of  his  vineyard.  In  a 
number  of  their  towns,  powerful  revivals  of  religion  at 
present  prevail.  The  foreign  mission-school  at  Cornwall, 
continues  to  flourish  ;  and  not  only  realizes,  but  even  ex- 
ceeds the  most  sanguine  expectations  of  its  founders.  A 
considerable  proportion  of  its  members  are  hopefully  pious; 
and  are  qualifying  themselves  to  carry  the  Gospel  to  their 
benighted  pagan  brethren.  Exertions  are  making  to  en- 
large the  Theological  department  at  Yale  College  ;  and 
there  is  ground  to  hope  that  these  exertions  will  ultimate- 
ly be  crowned  with  success. 

From  the  General  Convention  of  Vermont,  we  learn 
that  though  they  are  not,  at  present,  visited  with  such 
copious  showers  of  Divine  Grace  as  they  were  a  year  ago ; 
yet  they  are  permitted  with  joy  to  gather  in  the  abun- 
dant fruits  of  the  late  revivals.  Several  of  their  towns  are 
at  present  favoured  with  the  special  operations  of  the 
Holy  Spirit.  Their  ministers  are  "  of  one  heart  and  one 
mind ;"  their  churches  are  harmonious,  and  walk  in  love  ; 
and  the  cause  of  vital  religion  appears,  on  the  whole,  to  be 
gaining  ground. 

In  one  word  ;  the  review  of  the  past  year  furnishes  us 
with  abundant  cause  for  gratitude  to  God ;  and  exhibits 
increasing  evidence,  that  the  time  is  drawing  near,  when 
"  all  the  ends  of  the  world  shall  remember  and  turn  unto 
the  Lord,  and  all  the  kindreds  of  the  nations  shall  worship 
before  him. 

Isaac  RoBiNSON;%/or  the  Committee. 


t    10    ] 
No.  II. 

YASTORMi  "LETTER. 

TO  ALL  THE  CHURCHES  IN  OUR  CONNEXION. 


Christian  Brethren, 

If  we  love  Him  that  begat,  you  will  not  think  it 
strange,  if  we  extend  our  love  also  to  them  that  are  be- 
gotten. 

Though  we  cannot  expect  to  see  all  your  faces  in  the 
flesh ;  yet  are  we  with  you  in  the  spirit ;  and,  if,  in 
your  returns  from  year  to  year,  we  can  behold  "  your 
order,  and  the  steadfastness  of  your  faith  in  Christ,"  our 
hearts  will  rejoice. 

At  this  our  General  Association,  you  will  probably  ex- 
pect, as  in  former  years,  to  be  reminded  of  those  duties, 
which  seem  specially  enjoined  by  the  events  of  the  pres- 
ent time. 

To  keep  the  heart  with  all  diligence  is  at  all  times  a 
most  important  duty.  If  the  heart  be  not  right  in  the  sight 
of  God,  we  have  no  part  nor  lot  in  the  great  matter  of  re- 
ligion. Out  of  it  proceed  those  things,  which  defile  the 
man.  There  are  forged  those  spears,  more  cruel  than  the 
Roman,  which  often  crucify  afresh  the  Son  of  God,  and 
put  him  to  open  shame.  O  then,  let  a  man  examine  him- 
self, to  see  that,  first  of  all,  the  heart  is  right ;  that  he 
is  in  reality  possessed  of  that  Gospel  charity,  or  love, 
which  a  never  faileth." 

A  beaten  path  to  the  mercy-seat  must  also  be  kept  open 
by  him  who  would  be  a  living  and  a  happy  Christian.  All 
must  feel  their  own  sinfulness,  weakness,  and  dependence, 
who  know  much  of  themselves.  At  the  mercy-seat  we  may 
find  grace  to  help  in  every  time  of  need.  Our  Father  in 
heaven  has  shown  us,  that  he  is  more  willing  to  give  even 
the  precious  gift  of  the  Holy  Spirit  to  them  that  ask  Him, 
than  earthly  parents  are  to  bestow  temporal  good  upon 
their  children.  Let,  then,  every  Christian  be  persever- 
ing in  his  prayers,  not  only  for  personal  favours,  but  for 
the  prosperity  of  the  spiritual  Jerusalem. 


L   11    ] 

Family  prayer,  though  a  most  reasonable  and  scriptu- 
ral duty,  we  may  fear,  is  very  criminally  neglected  even 
by  many  who  bear  the  Christian  name.  Ought  Christians 
to  expect  a  daily  happy  frame  of  mind,  or  to  imagine  they 
are  training  up  their  households  for  God,  while  they  ne- 
glect to  offer  the  morning  and  evening  sacrifice  upon  the 
family  altar  ?  Can  parents  endure  the  thought  of  leaving 
their  children,  which  they  must  soon  do,  without  leaving 
them  the  example  and  benefit  of  their  prayers  ? 

To  maintain  a  sacred  and  constant  regard  for  all  public 
religious  institutions — we  would  very  earnestly  recom- 
mend to  all  our  brethren.     Christians  profess  to  be  risen 
with  Christ  from  their  former  spiritual  death.     How  in- 
cumbent upon  them  then  to  seek  those  things  which  are 
above  !  But,  when  a  principle  of  worldly  gain  is  suffered 
to  govern  the  feelings  and  pursuits  of  a  great  portion  of 
the  community,  there  is  danger,  lest  Christians  should  im- 
bibe some  degree  of  the  deadly  influence.    How  many  are 
to  be  found,  who  value  things  only  as  they  have  a  tenden- 
cy to  promote  worldly  gain  !  But  far  be  from  the  follow- 
ers of  Jesus  to  make  such  a  sordid  estimate  of  things.  Let 
them  learn  to  consider  man  not  the  being  of  a  day,  but 
formed  for  immortality  ;— to  contemplate  this  present  life 
as  connected  with  eternity,and  accordingly, to  value  objects 
and  engage  in  pursuits,  as  they  have  a  tendency  to  honour 
God,  and  to  promote  the  lasting  happiness  of  man. 

In  the  present  state  of  society,  greater  sacrifices  than 
ever  are  manifestly  required  of  the  churches,  both  to  sup- 
port the  institutions  of  religion  at  home,  and  to  establish 
and  continue  missions  abroad.  Shall  not  these  sacrifices 
be  cheerfully  made  ?  Where  is  the  Christian,  who  will 
lament  at  the  close  of  life,  that  he  rendered  the  world  so 
subservient  to  the  kingdom  of  Christ?  We  deem  it  of  vast 
importance  to  the  prosperity  of  religion,  that  the  churches 
willingly  support,  and  regularly  attend  upon  the  ordinan- 
ces of  religion.  An  inordinate  love  of  the  world  is  the 
great  bane  of  society  ;  the  great  obstacle  against  individu- 
al improvement,  religious  order,  and  social  happiness.  Is 
not  this  one  of  the  principal  causes,  why  many  churches, 
which  were  once  prosperous  and  happy,  have  been  given 
up  to  destruction,  their  house  left  unto  them  desolate, 
themselves  without  ordinances,  and  without  a  guide  ? 


L    ft    J 

In  this  place  we  would  repeat  the  advice,  which  has 
before  been  given  to  the  feejde,  destitute  churches  of  thS 
state,  viz.  that,  when  one  church  and  society  are  not  able 
to  settle  a  minister  among  them,  two  or  more,  should  unite 
for  this  purpose.  We  wish  the  time  may  soon  arrive, 
when  this  practice,  a  very  common  one  among  feeble 
churches  in  other  states,  shall  be  universally  adopted  in 
this  ; — when  even  the  feeblest  church  shall  be  united  with 
some  other  for  the  enjoyment  of  religious  ordinances : 
shall  have  some  one,  to  whom  it  can  look  for  aid  and  guid- 
ance in  spiritual  concerns.  We  earnestly  recommend,  that 
the  feeble  churches  regard  this  advice  ;  for  we  deem  such 
a  course  promotive  of  their  comfort,  edification  and  en- 
largement. 

We  would  ask  Christian  parents  to  enquire  whether 
they  may  not  inconsiderately  do  incalculable  evil  to  the 
unguarded  minds  of  their  rising  families  by  introducing 
newspapers,  and  other  publications  among  them,  whose 
character  is  evidently  hostile  to  the  doctrines  of  the  Gos- 
pel, and  to  the  benevolent  religious  exertions  of  the  present 
day.  By  the  introduction  of  such  publications,  however 
useful  they  may  be  considered  in  other  respects,  we  con- 
ceive, that  parents  place  in  the  way  of  their  children  a 
deadly  poison.  We  would  recommend  to  all,  who  have 
any  regard  for  the  rising  generation,  decidedly  to  exclude 
all  publications  of  this  cast  from  their  families  ;  and  to  in- 
troduce some  of  those  religious  newspapers,  or  other  pe- 
riodical publications,  which  are  favourable  to  evangelical 
truth,  and  to  the  great  religious  designs  and  operations, 
which  distinguish  the  present  age.  This  would  present  a 
source  of  information  and  improvement  both  to  the  aged 
and  the  young.  Two  or  three  families  can  often  conveni- 
ently unite,  if  they  choose,  in  taking  some  such  religious 
paper. 

It  is  with  much  satisfaction,  that  we  may  contemplate 
the  union  of  sentiment,  which  has  hitherto  subsisted  among 
the  great  body  of  the  Congregational  ministers  and  church- 
es in  this  state.  But  it  is  with  painful  emotions,  that  we 
perceive  errors,  and  we  believe  dangerous  errors  too,  ris- 
ing up  even  in  New-England,  that  long  enlightened  and 
highly  favoured  spot,  whose  forests  once  resounded  with 
the  scriptural  devotions  of  the   pious   pilgrims.     When 


[     13     .] 

errors  are  propagated,  which  would  divest  your  Saviour 
of  his  peculiar  glory,  remove  the  precious  corner-stone 
from  the  spiritual  building,  and  convert  what  we  deem 
the  true  Gospel  into  another  Gospel,  we  consider  it  our 
duty  to  sound  the  alarm  to  the  churches,  before  the  ene- 
my has  made  inroads  upon  them.  We  would  by  no  means 
encourage  a  spirit  of  uncharitableness.  But  we  cannot 
believe,  that  Paul  extended  christian  fellowship  to  those 
Jews,  to  whom  "  Christ  crucified"  was  "  a  stumbling- 
block,"  or  to  those  Greeks,  to  whom  the  same  was  "  fool- 
ishness/' Nor  surely  then  ought  w  e  to  those,  whose  sys- 
tem excludes  the  great  gospel  truth,  that  u  through  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  we  have  received  the  atonement,"  or 
66  turn  the  grace  of  our  God  into  lasciviousness."  All  we 
would  desire  in  this  particular  is,  "  that  ye  should  earnestly 
contend  for  the  faith  which  was  once  delivered  unto  the 
saints.  All  we  desire  is,  that  ye  u  be  stedfast,  immove- 
able, always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord." 

But  this  we  say,  brethren,  and  by  the  proper  influence 
of  this  sentiment  we  would  have  all  your  conduct  directed, 
— "  The  time  is  short."  A  little  while,  and  the  parent 
will  cease  to  teach  Lis  children  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  but 
must  leave  them  in  a  wicked  world.  A  little  while,  and 
the  child  will  no  more  hear  the  instructions,  or  prayers,  or 
behold  the  examples  of  the  godly  parent.  A  little  while, 
and  the  Christian  will  cease  to  engage  with  those  who 
worship  in  temples  made  with  hands,  or,  by  his  virtues, 
to  shed  a  happy  influence  upon  the  society,  in  which  he 
moves,  or  to  do  any  thing  more  for  the  benefit  of  the  world, 
or  the  honour  of  his  Saviour's  name.  *  Be  not  weary  in 
well  doing  ;  for  in  due  season  you  shall  reap,  if  you  faint 
not.'  Though  you  have  now  a  conflict  to  maintain;  still 
it  will  soon  be  over.  Like  warring  Israel,  you  are  press- 
ing forward  to  the  good  land.  Be  faithful ;  and  soon  your 
triumph  in  Christ  will  be  complete.  Now  is  your  salva- 
tion nearer  than  when  you  believed  '  (i  Therefore,  breth- 
ren, dearly  beloved,  and  longed  for,  our  joy  and  crown, 
stand  fast  in  the  Lord." 

We  only  add,  •'  The  Lord  bless  you,  and  keep  you  ; 
The  Lord  make  his  face  shine  upon  you,  and  be  gracious 
unto  you  ;  the  Lord  lift  up  his  countenance  upon  you,  and 
give  you  peace."     Amen. 


C     14     ] 
No.  III. 
ASSOCIATIONS 

UNITED  IN  THE  GENERAL  ASSOCIATION  OF  NEW* 
HAMPSHIRE. 


COOS  ASSOCIATION. 

Churches, 

Ministers.                        Communicants. 

Males  Fem.  Total. 

Bath, 

D.  Sutherland, 

85 

138 

223 

Bethlehem, 

9 

17 

26 

Colebrook, 

14 

34 

48 

Dalton, 

8 

15 

23 

Franconia, 

3 

6 

9 

Lancaster, 

J.  Willard, 

17 

46 

63 

Littleton, 

D.  Fairbanks 

22 

28 

50 

Lyman,  E. 

12 

14 

26 

Lyman,  W. 

Percy, 

2 

6 

8 

Shelburne, 

! 

172 

304 

476 

DEERFIELD  ASSOCIATION. 

Churches. 

Ministers.                        Communicants. 

Males.  Fem.  Total. 

Barnstead, 

Enos  George, 

Canclia, 

Abraham  Wheeler, 

15 

47 

62 

Chichester, 

Josiah  Carpenter, 

64 

97 

161 

Concord, 

Asa  McFarland, 

129 

245 

374 

Deerfield, 

Nathaniel  Wells, 

27 

55 

82 

Epsom, 

Jonathan  Curtis, 

31 

84 

115 

Gilmanton, 

Luke  A.  Spofford, 

29 

73 

102 

Loudon. 

Enoch  Courser, 

30 

88 

118 

Northwoed, 

Jo9iah  Prentice, 

19 

30 

49 

Pittsfield, 

9 
323 

41 

50 

672     995 

HOPKINTON  ASSOCIATION. 

Churches. 

Ministers.                       t 

Communicants. 
Males.  Fem.  Total. 

Boscawen,  E 

.  P.         Samuel  Wood,  D.  D. 

Boscawen,  W. 

P.           Ebenezer  Price, 

50 

73 

123 

Bradford, 

Robert  Page, 

11 

21 

32 

Canterbury, 

William  Patrick, 

54 

100 

154 

Dunbarton, 

Walter  Harris, 

34 

76 

110 

Ucnnikfr, 

Moses  Sawyer, 

28 

56 

84 

liopkinton, 

Roger  C.  Hatch, 

57 

136 

193 

Pembroke, 

Abraham  Burnham, 

48 

123 

171 

Salisbury, 

Thomas  Worcester, 

Sandbornton 

,  Abraham  Bodwell, 

49 

98 

147 

Warner, 

John  Woods, 

32 

66 

98 

Churches. 

Temple, 
HolHs, 
Mason, 
New-Ipswich, 
Rindge, 

Churthes. 

Atkinson, 
Chester, 
Hampstead, 
Londonderry, 
Pelham, 
Plaistow, 
Salem, 
Windham, 

Churches. 

Acworth, 
1st  in  Alstead, 
-2d  in  Alstead, 
Fitzwilliam, 
Gilsum, 
Jaffrey, 
Keene, 
Marlhorough, 
Nelson, 
Roxbury, 
Stoddard, 
Sullivan, 
Troy, 

Washington, 
Winchester, 
Langdon, 

Churches. 

Amherst, 
Antrim, 
Dee  ring, 
Francestown, 
Greenfield, 
Lyndeborough, 
\iont-Vernon, 
Hillsborough, 
New -Boston, 
Hancock, 


E     **     } 

HOLLIS  ASSOCIATION. 

Ministers. 

Noah  Miles, 
Eli  Smith, 
Ebenezer  Hill, 
Richard  Hall, 
Amos  W.  Burnham, 

HAVERHILL  ASSOCIATION. 

Ministers.  Communicants. 


Communicants. 
Males.  Fern.  Totah 


267 
118 
307 
160 


81 

37 

120 

187 

41 

119 

Joel  R.  Arnold, 
John  Kelley, 
E.  L.  Parker, 
J.  H.  Church, 

Wm.  Balch, 
S.  Harris, 

MONADNOCK  ASSOCIATION. 

Ministers. 


Male*.  Fern.  Total. 
41 
61 
68 
121 
102 
25 
41 
90 


12 

29 

22 

39 

23 

45 

74 

47 

35 

67 

9 

16 

8 

33 

SO 

60 

Phineas  Cooke, 
Seth  S.  Arnold, 
Levi  Lankton, 
John  Sabin, 

Laban  Ainswort^, 
ZedekiahS.  Barstow, 
Halloway  Fish, 
Gad  Newell, 

Isaac  Robinson, 
William  Muzzy, 

Broughton  White, 
Salmon  Bennett, 

UNION  ASSOCIATION. 

Ministers. 

Nathan  Lord, 
John  M.  Whiton, 
Jahez  P  Fisher, 
Moses  Bradford, 
John  Walker, 
Ntthaniel  Merrill, 
Ebenezer  Cheever, 
John  Lawton, 
Ephraim  P.  Bradford, 


Communicants. 
Males.  Fern.  Total, 


72 
18 
17 
52 
16 


133 
54 

28 
98 
23 


210 
72 
45 

150 

39 


No  return 


43 
50 


212 
1)1 
152 


68 

102 

No  return. 

117 
58 


30 

36 
20 
10 


74 
85 
11 


88 

115 

105 

21 


Communicants. 
Males.  Fem.  Total. 
210 
191 

330 
103 
214 
214 
150 


80 

130 

70 

121 

109 

221 

39 

63 

77 

137 

65 

149 

[     16     J 


ORANGE  ASSOCIATION. 

Churche$.  Ministers. 


Haverhill  North, 

Haverhill  South, 

Pierm«>nt, 

Orford, 

Orford  West, 

Lime, 

Hanover,  Dart'h  Col. 

Hanover, 

Canaan, 

Lehanon, 

Plainfield,  Meriden  par, 

Plainfield, 

Cornish, 

Newport, 

Claremont, 


Vacant, 
Grant  Powers, 
Rev.  Mr.  Blake, 

Sylvester  Dana, 
Baxter  Perry, 
Roswell  Shurtleff, 
Josiah  Town, 

Charles  Culkins, 

Dana  Cluyes, 
Micaiah  Porter, 
Joseph  Rowel  I, 
James  R.  Wheelock, 
Rev.  Mr.  Nye, 


Communicants. 
Males.  Fern.  Total. 


15 

25 

17 

58 

45 

93 

14 

26 

76 

128 

64 

94 

72 

131 

13 

17 

52 

65 

44 

70 

4 

11 

54 

122 

98 

172 
1012  1 

548  I 

40 
75 

138 
40 

204 

148 

203 

30 

97 

114 

15 

176 

270 


Churches. 

Bridge  water, 

Campton, 

Groton, 

Hebron, 

Meredith,* 

Plymouth, 

Thornton, 


PLYMOUTH  ASSOCIATION. 

Ministers. 


Wm.  Rolfe, 

David  Smith, 
Jonathan  Wards, 


Communicants. 
Males.  Fern.  Total. 
22 
89 
63 
42 
39 


'This  church  recently  joined  the  Association. 


8 

14 

36 

53 

27 

36 

19 

23 

12 

72 

27 

61 

7 

10 

17 


Churches. 


PISCATAQUA  ASSOCIATION 

Ministers. 


Portsmouth,  N.Ch. 
do.  S.  C. 

Exeter, 
Dover, 
Epping, 
Stratham, 
Exeter,  2tl  church, 

No  charge, 
Brentwood, 
Raymond, 
Rye, 

Hampton, 
North -Hampton, 
Rochester, 
Durham, 
New-Castle, 
Newington, 
Newmarket, 
Greenland, 


I.  W.  Putnam, 
Nathan  Parker, 
W.  F.  Rowland, 
J.  W.  Clary, 

Vacant, 

Vacant, 
Isaac  Hurd, 
Peter  Holt, 
Chester  Colton, 
Stephen  Bailey, 
Huntington  Porter, 
Josiah  Webster, 
Jonathan  French, 
Joseph  Haven, 
Federal  Burt, 

Vacant, 

Vacant, 

Vacant, 
C.  Abbott, 


Communicants. 
Males.  Fcm.  Total. 
138 


105 
55 
44 
26 
28 

47 
126 

56 
145 
121 

23 

25 
6 


20 
22 

118 
81 

12 

43 

9 

35 

6 

20 

9 

19 

8 

39 

43 

83 

15 

41 

37 

108 

36 

85 

5 

81 

6 

19 

2 

4 

DATE  DUE 

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